Kristi Baker

The regular session began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance led by the four presidents of North Columbia Elementary School. Key business included the approval of the meeting agenda, the selection of the Vice Chair (Representative Phil Kim for 2026), and the selection of the Columbia County School District Foundation Trustee (Miss G Teasley for 2026). The Board approved the selection of the board attorney for 2026 (Fletcher Harding Law Firm) and the board meeting dates and times for 2026. Annual board requirements, specifically the Board Policy Code of Ethics, Board Policy Conflict of Interest, and Board Training, were approved, while Board Norms and Protocols were tabled for discussion during board training. The meeting featured a special recognition for the outstanding girls flag football team from Greenbryer High for winning their third consecutive state championship. Board members offered comments praising the team's excellence, spirit, and leadership, as well as thanking the outgoing Vice Chair and welcoming the incoming Vice Chair.

The meeting included discussions regarding the procurement of surveillance cameras, clarifying that the bid covers equipment only and installation will be addressed separately. Board members discussed the origin of the cameras (South Korean vs. Chinese models) and the expected technology lifespan transition from coax cable to network driven systems. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to public participation regarding book challenges and media review procedures. Speakers expressed concern over the delayed review and inaccessibility of numerous books, advocating for transparent timelines and the return of materials not actively under review. Another speaker requested the board place the display of the Ten Commandments in schools on the agenda for discussion, citing historical and moral significance. The board moved to executive session to discuss legal, personnel, and real estate matters, subsequently approving an affidavit regarding open meeting law violations, two right-of-way easements, and a personnel sheet.

The meeting began with standard procedural items, including an invitation and the pledge of allegiance led by four student presidents from Lewon Elementary School. The session included special recognitions for student achievements in the Georgia Cyber Patriot State Competition (including first place by Greenbryer Middle School's Wolf Pat the Grave team) and winners of the Georgia National Junior and Senior Beta Club competition. Board members offered extensive congratulations to the recognized students, their advisers, and parents, emphasizing the importance of STEM, cyber security, and leadership development programs. Superintendent reports covered the results of the CTA workforce showcase, including scholarship awards, and provided updates on the upcoming Pre-K registration dates for the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved consent items.

The meeting commenced with special recognitions, including the acknowledgment of four student presidents from Grovetown Elementary leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and an award presentation to Liliana Beamer from Evans High School for securing second place in the state cross country championship. Board members provided comments acknowledging the student achievements, the invocation, and updates regarding a recent conference. Key business items included the approval of the agenda and consent items, followed by the discussion and approval of revised board policies, specifically Policy I (Instructional Resources) concerning personally identifiable information and parent notification, and Policy KH (Gifts to Schools). The Board also received updates and visual progress reports on the building program for Evans High School, which included new multi-purpose rooms, weight rooms, locker rooms, and the completion of new batting cages following hurricane damage, as well as updates on construction progress at Lakeside, including a new cafeteria, media center, and performing arts center, along with preliminary discussions on student movement during the ongoing construction phases.

The meeting was dedicated to a work session for discussing topics related to student achievement and the effective operation and management of the school district. A significant portion of the session involved special recognitions. Several schools were honored for music achievements, including Grovetown Middle School Choir for performing at the Georgia American Core Directors Association state conference, Greenbar High School Quartet, Blue Ridge Elementary's Chorus Ensemble, and Grovetown Middle's Eighth Grade Chorus for being selected to perform at the Georgia Music Education Association Inservice Conference. Additionally, multiple schools received Georgia Department of Education awards for outstanding leadership in literacy (achievement and growth) and mathematics (achievement and growth). The board members expressed appreciation for the students, educators, and support personnel involved in these achievements.